The public may provide input for the development of new NASA spacecraft

NASA is enlisting the public’s help in developing its Space Launch System and the Orion capsule. The space agency is looking for information about cost control for the development of the new spacecraft, with which a manned Mars mission is to be carried out.

On a special web page, NASA set out its request for help. Specifically, scientists and space industry representatives are being asked to identify ways to minimize costs for the Space Launch System and Orion development program. NASA is faced with sky-high costs that consume a large part of the annual budget. This puts the organization at risk of the project being scrapped in the long run.

In an enclosed document, NASA provides a number of examples of topics on which input can be provided. Incidentally, the organization states that no payment will be made for the provision of information. NASA hopes to have all the answers before the end of the year.

The Space Launch System is a rocket system that NASA is still developing. The intention is that the system will be used to undertake larger missions, such as a manned journey to Mars, or even beyond. The Orion space capsule is being developed for crew transport. Now NASA is still largely dependent on the Russians, who provide a manned space capsule with the Soyuz.

The first manned mission to Mars is expected around 2030, if the project is successful. Earlier this year, NASA conducted a first successful test of the rocket engine that will be used in the Space Launch System.